Rochester Institute of Technology vs Fordham University: which has better ROI?
Fordham University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $177,352 in 4.8 years versus 4.9 years at Rochester Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $85,569 vs $76,571 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rochester Institute of Technology | Fordham University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $34,906 | $44,338 |
| Total net cost | $139,624 | $177,352 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $76,571 | $85,569 |
| Median debt | $26,778 | $24,300 |
| Payback | 4.9 yrs | 4.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $424,596 | $566,828 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rochester Institute of Technology or Fordham University?
Rochester Institute of Technology, at $34,906 a year after aid versus $44,338 — a gap of $9,432 a year, or $37,728 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Rochester Institute of Technology or Fordham University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates report a median $85,569 ten years after entry, $8,998 more than the $76,571 at Rochester Institute of Technology. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Rochester Institute of Technology or Fordham University?
Fordham University: its completers carry a median $24,300 in federal loans versus $26,778 at Rochester Institute of Technology, a difference of $2,478. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
82% of students finish at Fordham University, against 70% at Rochester Institute of Technology. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.